B1

INTRODUCTION TO CONSTANT LEVEL LUBRICATION

Constant level oilers are designed to maintain a predetermined oil level

in a sump, which is necessary for proper lubrication. If the oil level
were to drop below this point, the depleted oil would automatically be
replenished by the lubricator, returning it to its original level. With the
use of constant level oilers, maintenance efficiencies can be increased,
while minimizing maintenance costs, and the loss of production time.
฀ ฀ ฀
The majority of constant level oilers available are adjustable, allowing
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Vented constant level oiler with
that do not allow for fluid level adjustability, eliminating potential side connection
installation errors. Typically, constant level oilers are mounted on the
side of the equipment facing the direction of shaft rotation. Some
oilers allow for bottom mounting, on the oil sump, which prevents the
oiler from misfeeding during applications that contain currents and
turbulence formed by slinger rings, discs, and high rotating speeds.
In most cases constant level oilers are vented to the outside atmosphere
to work properly. Since these oilers are vented to the atmosphere,
฀ ฀ ฀
especially in harsh, dirty environments, contaminants are allowed
to enter the lubricating oil. These contaminants are in the forms of
moisture and/or particulate which are extremely damaging to oil and
equipment life.
In order to combat the potential for oil contamination, the closed Vented constant level oiler with
bottom connection
system oiler was developed. These oilers are effective in minimizing
and eliminating the ingression of contaminants into the oil sump,
especially in dirty environments. Some closed system oilers contain a
pressure balancing line, which is connected from the headspace of the
oil sump to an air chamber built into the surge body of the oiler. This
air chamber is sealed from the outside atmosphere in order to prevent
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
are available that mount directly on the centerline of the oil level to be
maintained. The exchange of air between the oil sump and the oiler is ฀ ฀ ฀
at the oilers base, which is mounted directly to the oil sump.
Several different types of constant level oilers are available to meet Closed system oiler with pressure
specific application needs, whether it is vented or non-vented, balancing line
adjustable or nonadjustable they are an easy and effective method
of maintaining proper oil level in equipment.

฀ ฀ ฀

Closed system oiler mounted on center line

of desired oil level

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 B2

OPTO-MATIC® CONSTANT LEVEL OILERS

APPLICATIONS
Opto-Matic® Oilers provide an inexpensive method to automatically maintain a constant level of oil in a
pump bearing housing, gear box, or other oil sump applications. Throughout processing industries, the
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
Stainless steel models provide long life in corrosive environments in the chemical, pulp and paper, and
mining industries.

FEATURES
฀฀O
฀ ne piece glass reservoir ensures proper constant ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
level function. Compared to competitive functioning at all times
models, there is no possibility of air leakage that ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
would cause overfilling of the bearing housing. of oil during machine start-up or shut-down
30003 ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
applications simplified installation

WIRE GUARDS
Wire guards are ordered separately and are customer installed. SPECIFICATIONS
Model No. Model No. Standard 304 Stainless Steel
Standard Stainless Steel Description
Max. Operating Temp. º
250 F Continuous
30012 - ฀ ฀ Reservoir ฀ ฀
30013 30223 ฀ ฀
Casting Zinc 304 Stainless
30016 30225 ฀ ฀
Finish Zinc/Chromate Plate Passivated
30020 30230 ฀ ฀
Internal Parts Zinc Plated Steel
A A O-Ring Viton®
Viton®฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

B SELECTION CHART - STANDARD

B
Connection Dimensions (in.)
Model No. Capacity A B Min. B Max. C Min. C Max.
C* (NPT)*
C*
3/
3/4
4 30002 2-1/2 oz. 1/4 2-1/2 3-15/16 4-1/4 11/32 9/16
C*
C*
30003 4 oz. 1/4 2-11/16 5 5-3/4 9/32 1
/8
7
7/8
No. 30002 Standard No. 30003, 30005, and 30005 8 oz. 1/4 3-3/16 5-15/16 6-11/16 9/32 1
30010 Standard
30010 16 oz. 1/4 4-1/8 6-13/16 7-9/16 9/32 1
A
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

SELECTION CHART - STAINLESS STEEL

B
Model No. Connection Dimensions (in.)
With Side & Capacity (NPT)*
Bottom Connect
C*C* A B Min. B Max. C Min. C Max.
7/
7/8 8 30213 4 oz. 1/4 2-11/16 4-15/16 5-11/16 9/32 1
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀Stainless Steel 30215 8 oz. 1/4 3-3/16 5-7/8 6-5/8 9/32 1
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
30220 16 oz. 1/4 4-1/8 6-3/4 7-1/2 9/32 1
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
for color coding options.

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 B4

BREATHER TUBES

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
vented Opto-Matic® Oilers to help eliminate vacuums
created by abnormally tight bearings or pressures
created by high speed bearings. The breather tube
helps maintain a constant atmospheric pressure in the
bearing housing.

SELECTION CHART
Model No. Description
1/8 NPT Thread
30014 ฀
Wick Filter
30015 ฀ 1/8 NPT Thread
฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
ports in bearing housing or piping lines.

30015

HELPFUL TIP:

Breather tubes are ideal for

use in environments that contain
minimal contaminants. If contamination
is a concern the Watchdog Desiccant
Breathers are an excellent choice for
removing contaminants as well as
allowing the equipment to breathe.

30014

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 B5

LCL OILERS

APPLICATIONS
LCL large capacity oilers provide a constant level of oil in a pump bearing housing, gear box, or other oil sump applications.
They operate on the same principle as the Opto-Matic® Oilers and are used in applications requiring a large reservoir capacity.
In isolated areas where refilling is a problem, LCL oilers can save time and maintenance costs.

FEATURES
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
available in 1 gallon
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
or shut-down
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

SPECIFICATIONS
32432
฀ ºF Continuous
Max. Operating Temp. ฀ ºF Continuous
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
Reservoir ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
Gasket
Materials
Casting ฀ ฀
Finish Lacquered Satin Finish

1/2 NPT
2 5/16 SELECTION CHART
Model No. Dimensions (in.)
1/2 3/4
Capacity Mounting Bolt
Glass Acrylic A B
3 5/8 32511 32410 10 oz. 1/4-20 3-1/8 4-1/4
32517 32416 1 pt. 1/4-20 3-5/8 5-5/16
32533 32432 1 qt. 1/4-20 4-7/16 6-3/8
32581 32480 2.5 qt. 1/4-20 5-11/16 9-1/2
- 32481 1 gal. 1/4-20 5-11/16 14-1/2

HELPFUL TIP:

The LCL oiler is a vented oiler that mounts on the

centerline of the desired oil level.

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 B6

OPTO-MATIC® CLOSED SYSTEM OILERS

APPLICATIONS
The Opto-Matic® Closed System Oiler is designed for all
types of equipment where a constant level in an oil sump
must be maintained. The closed system design prevents
contamination and spillage. The adjustable collar allows
the oil level to be externally adjusted to the desired level.
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
housing to allow pressure balancing between the oiler and
the housing.

FEATURES
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
function. Compared to competitive models, there is
no possibility of air leakage that would cause
overfilling of the housing.
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
for easy set-up and maintenance
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

SELECTION CHART
Model Dimensions (in.)
Capacity
No. A B Min. B Max. NPT
30203 4 oz. 2-11/16 7-1/16 7-13/16 1/4
30205 8 oz. 3-3/16 8 8-3/4 1/4
30210 16 oz. 4-1/8 8-7/8 9-5/8 1/4

Opto-Matic closed system oiler with pressure balancing line

SPECIFICATIONS
Max. Operating Temp. 250ºF Continuous
Reservoir ฀ ฀
Upper Casting Zinc
Lower Body Zinc
Adjusting Collar Zinc
O-Ring Viton®

WIRE GUARDS
Wire guards are ordered separately and are customer installed.
฀
Model No. Description ฀

30013 ฀ ฀
30016 ฀ ฀ oil level
setting .625
฀ ฀
30020 ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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 B7

WATCHDOG® OILERS
31825 31829
31804
The Watchdog® closed system oiler is designed for bearing
housings, gear boxes, and other oil sump applications. It is
ideal for use in the chemical processing, power generation,
pulp and paper, and utility industries. The viewport provides
visual indication of lubricant level and condition. Mounted
on the centerline of the desired oil level, these constant level
oilers do not require any adjustment or level setting.

FEATURES
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
contamination and spillage
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ SPECIFICATIONS
housing required, simplifying
installation Aluminum Body Thermoplastic Body Stainless Steel Body
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Body ฀ Polysulfone Stainless Steel
oil make-up Reservoir Polysulfone
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Viewport Polysulfone
oil level, and does not require Max. Operating Temp. 325ºF/160ºC 325ºF/160ºC 325ºF/160ºC
adjustment or level setting O-Ring Viton® Viton® Viton®
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
for additional component
SELECTION CHART
Model No. Wire Dimensions (in.)
Style Capacity Connection Guard A B C
Thermoplastic
31804 ฀ ฀ 4 oz. 1 NPT No 5-3/4 3-9/32 1
and Viewport
31818 4 oz. 1/2 NPT No 6-1/4 4-1/8 1/2
31820 4 oz. 3/4 NPT No 6-1/4 3-1/4 3/4
31821 4 oz. 1 NPT No 6-1/4 3-1/4 1
31822 4 oz. ฀ No 6-1/4 4-1/8 3/4
฀
31823 ฀ ฀ 4 oz. ฀ No 6-1/4 3-1/4 1
31824 ฀ 4 oz. 3/4 NPT Yes 6-1/2 3-3/8 3/4
Watchdog Oiler mounted on
and Viewport
31825 4 oz. 1 NPT Yes 6-1/2 3-3/8 1
centerline of desired oil level ฀
31826 4 oz. Yes 6-1/2 4-1/8 3/4
31827 4 oz. ฀ ฀ Yes 6-1/2 3-3/8 1
2-1/4 31828 4 oz. 1/2 NPT Yes 6-1/2 4-1/8 1/2
Stainless Steel
31829 ฀ ฀ 4 oz. 1 NPT No 6-1/4 3-1/4 1
฀ ฀
Viewport

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 B8

OPTO LASER LEVEL

Trico’s Opto Laser Level is an innovative tool that

allows for quick and easy installation of the Opto-Matic
Constant Level Oiler.
With the Opto Laser Level, installation of the Opto-Matic
Oiler just became more user-friendly. In conjunction with
the Opto-Matic Oiler, the Opto Laser Level will produce
an immediate impact on your lubrication program.
Trico gives you even more with this quick, convenient
and accurate method of installing the oiler – minimizing
installation, reducing downtime and eliminating
confusion. The Opto Laser Level is a must for every
maintenance department responsible for set-up and
upkeep of equipment that uses Opto-Matic Oilers.

FEATURES
฀Reusable – The Opto Laser Level can be used to install
multiple Opto-Matics in your plant
฀Lightweight – Weighing 0.55 lbs, this tool fits in your
hand for those hard to reach installation areas
฀Easy to Read – Take the guess work out of installation
with laser level alignment and visual level indicators
฀Portable฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
foamed-lined, hard case with a handle for safe storage and
convenient when transporting to the installation site

SPECIFICATIONS
Material ฀ ฀
Finish ฀ ฀
Components Stainless Steel
Battery Type
Battery Life ฀
Laser Class ฀ ฀ ฀

SELECTION CHART
Model No. Description

36470 Opto Laser Level with Water-Tight Case

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 C1

INTRODUCTION TO PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL PRODUCTS

Frequent operation start-ups and environmental temperature swings in mechanical equipment can cause the air pressure inside oil
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
through vents, fill ports, seals, and anywhere the oil sump is open to atmosphere. This can cause debris, dirt, and moisture to enter
the equipment attacking and breaking down the equipments vital lubricant and ultimately reducing the life of bearings and gears. The
®
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
inches of airspace, by a rolling diaphragm. This provides the extra air volume necessary to overcome expansion and retracting inside
the housing, ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
www.tricocorp.com/technical/sizing-expansion-cham.aspx, or follow the Selection of an Expansion Chamber worksheet supplied on the
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ of air expansion which escapes through
3

the seals or vents. Conversely, that 18 in needs to return to the housing when temperatures cool. That is when the damage is done.
3

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ™

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
especially important when used in harsh or contaminated environments and when frequent start-up and shut-downs are necessary.

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 32
110
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
Low 60
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 128
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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 C2

EQUALIZER EXPANSION CHAMBERS

APPLICATIONS
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
properly sized, maintains oil housing pressure at or near zero PSI. The
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
chambers also protect the integrity of closed systems by preventing
the exchange of air from the chamber to the surrounding atmosphere.
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

FEATURES
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
฀฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
cleaner for longer life and improved performance
฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

HELPFUL TIP:

Prevention of oil contamination ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

and degradation is very often the
most reliable means of preventing
฀
equipment failures. By minimizing Chamber
the ways that contamination
can enter equipment, lubricant
cleanliness levels are increased.
Products such as the Watchdog
oilers, Opto-Matic closed system
oilers, Equalizer Expansion
Chambers, and Watchdog
breathers, can help lubricants ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀
remain cleaner longer.

SELECTION CHART
* For application assistance on calculating required
capacities, please contact Trico or visit our web site for Model No. Connection Capacity* Dim.(A)
an online worksheet at www.tricocorp.com/technical/ (NPT) (in.)
sizing-expansion-cham.aspx. 31815 3/8 25 cu. in. 7/8
31816 1/2 25 cu. in. 1
31817 3/4 25 cu. in. 1-1/4

SPECIFICATIONS
Body Stainless Steel
Diaphragm Viton®
Maximum Operating Temperature 350ºF

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